"American Idol's" latest champ was overcome with emotion, and thanked the judges and fans. "This is amazing. Thank you guys everything so much. Thank you guys. Everybody I can’t believe this."

DeWyze and Bowersox, both 24, performed "With a Little Help From My Friends" with Joe Cocker in the final minutes of a show, which seemed more geared toward celebrating the career of departing judge Simon Cowell than crowning a new winner.

Former judge Paula Abdul returned for Cowell's farewell, as did some of the FOX series biggest winners: Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Taylor Hicks.

Janet Jackson, Michael McDonald and comic Dane Cook were among the performing guests at the season finale.

"You have the honesty of Abe Lincoln and the charm of the guy who shot him," Cook told a grinning Cowell.

Up next for Cowell is a new TV project. He will produce and judge "The X Factor," an American version of his popular British talent contest for FOX.